Donald “Donnie” L. Heinrich age 73 of Walnut Grove passed away peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Dougherty Hospice House. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 17 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial is in St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Donald Leo Heinrich was born September 15, 1943 in Avoca, Minnesota to Otto and Jennie (Duinkerken) Heinrich. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Donnie attended school in Avoca and later in Slayton. On January 30, 1965 he married Randy Soll at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Walnut Grove and Donnie worked various jobs including several area Co-ops, managing the Red Rooster, and he owned his own full service gas station in Tracy. He was a diesel mechanic and worked for Anderson Trucking and Halter Trucking. Donnie enjoyed fixing things in his shop, attending his kids’ activities, fishing, and watching movies. He loved gardening and enjoyed competing with his brother Bill for growing the biggest tomato. Donnie also loved his cats and always made sure they were well fed.
Donnie is survived by his wife Randy; children: Stacey (Ross) Bloemke of Walnut Grove, Brian (Lana) Heinrich of Revere, and Nicki Heinrich (Steve Torkelson) of Redwood Falls; grandchildren: Jarrett, Johanna, and Madison Heinrich, Hunnter Bloch, Markette and Ariel Hubin, and Gavin Shaw; siblings: Dorothy Nelson, Darlene Smith, Betty Sturm, Robert Heinrich, Frank (Lee) Heinrich, Greg (Melodie) Heinrich, and Roxie Heinrich; sister-in-law Roxanne (Shane) Saxhaug; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother William, sister Adeline Johnson, and parents-in-law Margaret and Oran Soll.
The most dedicated, caring and stubborn person I have ever knew. He taught me about life and how to live it. He was always my hero even though I never told him that. Love and miss you!
Your son
Brian, we are so sad to hear your Dad passed away. We are in California until Sunday and won’t be able to attend the funeral, but we are thinking of all of you guys.
Angel and Rick
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Randy, Stacey, Brian, Nicki and their filies during this time of grief and healing. The neighborhood is getting smaller all the time. Dom will be missed for sure. Sorry we can’t make it this funeral, but know our thoughts will be with you.
God Bless!
Ruthie and Brian Marth
Brian and family so sorry for your loss
Prayers to your entire family- may God bring you peace during this difficult time.
Dan Peterson
Randy & Family,
So sorry for your loss. Wish we would have known before now about Donnies death. We would have been there for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Teri & Darold Johnson
I cannot say that I met the man but I sure enjoy knowing the great kids he raised. Peace to all of you.
I am so sorry for the loss of a great man! I remember fond memories of coming and staying at your house when I was a kid! Haven’t seen u since then. So sorry for your loss! Sue Heinrich Friedrich Niece
and Barb Heinrich Uphoff ex sister in law